Bomb Explodes in Christian Area of Beirut; One Dead, 23 Wounded

A bomb has exploded in a mainly Christian neighborhood in Beirut, killing at least one person and wounding at least 23 others.

The blast occurred near a bank in the Achrafieh section of town shortly before midnight local time Friday. An apartment building was badly damaged along with two cars. Police said the bomb contained at least 10 kilograms of TNT.

Beirut has suffered a series of bombings since late last year, including a car bomb attack that killed former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syria has been suspected of involvement in some of the bombings, including Mr. Hariri's assassination. Syria denies any role.

Earlier this week, a United Nations investigator working on the Hariri case traveled to Damascus to arrange interviews with several officials about their possible role in the attack.